Know When to Hire a Commercial Electrician

Commercial buildings are often prone to many electrical installations and even electrical issues. These things range from simple problems that DIY electrical work can solveto complicated electrical work that only professionals can do. And most of the time, it’s the complex ones.

It's better to be safe than sorry. If you need a repair on your electrical system, engage an electrician rather than attempt to figure out how to fix the problem.

What Is a Commercial Electrician?

Electrical wiring and systems for commercial buildings are the primary focus of a commercial electrician. These electricians work in malls, business buildings, and restaurants—just some places where they find work.

It is the responsibility of business owners to ensure the safety and well-being of their facilities and the people that occupy them. A company's redesign, remodeling, or other projects that change the workplace environment will significantly need electrical work. One of the best things a company can do is hire an expert local commercial electrician.

Here are a few good reasons to hire a commercial electrician.

1. Electrical Work Needs Specialized and Trained Skills

Every electrical job in the workplace is different. Each needs a unique solution. Commercial electricians have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to find and fix the problem with their handy dandy tools.

Why Are Commercial Electricians Skilled?

The fundamental skills that all electricians master are the same. In contrast, some of the best-skilled electricians work for unionized commercial electricians. It’s because their training is job-specific and that an apprentice needs to receive additional instruction and preparation. Additionally, the state requires commercial  electricians to complete various training courses and secure a license.

Electricians who complete this hands-on training can manage a wide range of commercial jobs, no matter how big or small they are. That’s why they are capable of handling a workplace electrical issue.

2. Do You Have Knowledge of Electrical Codes?

The Management has a lot going on its plate. With so much to manage and control, they'll likely not have time to care about electrical codes and regulations. Electricians specializing in commercial work can take some weight off their shoulders.

Electricians must have specialized knowledge of the constantly changing codes to perform their work correctly. Inspectors deem many commercial projects "failed" because they do not meet code standards. The company can rest easy knowing that all work is done in accordance with local building codes, saving time and money in the long run.

Check the Commercial Electrician's Credibility before Hiring

There are several advantages to hiring a newer electrician rather than a seasoned one. To put it another way, they'll typically lower their prices to attract more clients and expand their portfolio.

Contractors that have been in the business for a long time may have more to offer. It is common for their technicians to have excellent knowledge of the sector and to know the best solutions. Assume that a contractor has been in business for a long time without incident. They have likely established a solid reputation in the neighborhood and rely on repeat business to stay in business. Contact an inner west Sydney electrician for more information.

3. Figuring Out the Electrical Hazards

The importance of workplace safety cannot be overstated. Commercial electricians are skilled at spotting concealed or difficult-to-find hazards in the workplace. To reduce the possibility of electrical fires or injuries, a team should conduct a complete inspection of the space.

You may have an idea as to what is wrong with the breaker panel or wiring problems. Still, only a trained and experienced electrician will be able to evaluate the system appropriately and identify the source of the issue. Hiring a commercial electrician will prevent you from playing a guessing game about the problem and spending money on a fix that may or may not resolve the issue.

Ensure that Commercial Electricians Are Licenced and Insured

Installing electrical wiring is a labor-intensive process that has a high risk of injury or death due to the nature of the work. Workers' compensation and liability insurance and the necessary certificates may not be in place for the lowest-priced commercial electrical contractors.

The workplace will be held responsible for any injuries or damage the commercial electricians may cause while performing work for the company. It's not a huge issue to ask a corporation for copies of their certifications, insurance, and licenses if they already have them.

4. Electrical Work Needs Professional Advice

Commercial electricians stand behind their work. That's because they understand how crucial a business must have a reliable electrical system. For instance, the workspace in the office could use some new lighting. Employees must be able to do their work to the best of their abilities if they have adequate lighting and visibility.

Or perhaps the business requires assistance wiring a new conveyor system to improve productivity. Commercial electricians can handle commercial electrical work, no matter how complex or challenging it may appear.

Scout for Their Reviews and References

When in doubt whether or not a prospective contractor is trustworthy, it never hurts to check their references and testimonials. It's important to read online evaluations from former customers to get a sense of how the contractor has done in the past.

You can easily research the contractor's reputation and references online. Because of the abundance of information on the internet, finding the finest commercial electrician may come down to checking out their list of past clients.

5. The Cost Is a Big Factor

Management sometimes feels they can save money by not employing electricians specializing in their particular field. It isn't true, unfortunately. Attempting DIY electrical tasks can be dangerous. If not done correctly, they can cause harm to electrical devices and the structure of a building.

Repairs will be costly, and the financial impact will be considerably worse. Commercial electricians with experience may provide a guarantee on their job and can do it correctly if given adequate time to do so. Ultimately, this saves money.

Ask Quotes for the Job

The more specific and thorough the contractor's assessment of the problem, the more likely the management will get a fair price. Electrical systems can be complicated, and contractors are better equipped if they have taken the time to detail every aspect of the job.

Don’t Compromise Safety for “Easy”

Without electricity, it is impossible to accomplish anything. A steady supply of energy ensures business operations run smoothly, protects employees and their property, and creates a more comfortable and safe atmosphere. That's why every business needs to invest in a commercial electrician to take care of their electrical requirements if they want their operations to be effective and secure.

Guest Contributor: Emily Hill

What is The Purpose of Wall Siding, And How to Choose a Good Option

Wall siding is any material that is applied to the outer wall of a house or building to protect it from harsh environmental conditions such as rain, snow, sun, and heat in general. This siding will, in turn, make the inside of the structure more pleasant. 

Aside from providing safety, wall siding can also enhance the overall aesthetic of a structure. There are different types of siding materials, including natural and artificial materials, and each has its pros and cons. A brick masonry wall does not normally require siding, but you can choose to side it nevertheless; the walls that must be sided are those that are internally framed with steel or wood.

Purpose of Wall Siding

Wall sidings have numerous purposes, some of which are:

• Protecting the home against unfavorable weather conditions such as rain, snow, sun, extreme heat, or extremely cold weather conditions. 

• Siding also helps insulate your home; a home with ineffective or no siding at all will not be properly insulated, causing your heating, cooling, and ventilation system to work extra hard, increasing your energy bills.

• Wall siding is environmentally friendly, sturdy, long-lasting, and energy efficient.

• Your home will look better with fresh wall siding. It does more than just protect your property; it also provides it with a fresh, new look. According to research, homes with new wall siding sell faster and for a greater price since the appearance attracts more purchasers.

How to Choose the Best Wall Siding

When faced with the challenge of selecting the proper wall siding for their homes, homeowners might become confused or undecided. Here are a few pointers to help you choose the right wall siding for your home:

Durability 

Durability is an important consideration when selecting a wall siding. There are several types of wall sidings, each with its own specified life span. When walls are durable, they tend to reduce extra costs on repairs and regular maintenance, which every homeowner wants to avoid. 

Cost

When it comes to picking a wall siding, the financial ramifications might have a significant impact on our decision. Varieties of wall siding have different price tags; for example, if you’re interested to find out the cedar clapboard price in the market, you can look for its rates online. Make sure to choose one that matches your budget and completes the project to your specifications.

Maintenance

It would be advantageous to go with a wall cladding option that is both simple to maintain and inexpensive. The ideal wall cladding would be one that could be easily maintained through the use of methods that could be created at home. You should research different methods for maintenance before going for any wall siding.

Choosing the right wall siding for our homes is just as important as deciding to get a wall siding in the first place. Modern wall sidings come in different shapes and sizes; most even look like traditional brick masonry and can hardly be spotted. You can follow this guide to choose the best possible option for you.

Household Plumbing Inspection Checklist

Simple inspection of your plumbing installations can help you spot issues before they become big crises.

Typically, the spots where you ought to concentrate your examination checklist are those rooms where many plumbing apparatuses are installed — the washroom and kitchen. Be that as it may, remember to look around the house for different fixtures, going from the hose nozzles outside the house to the water radiator in the cellar or utility region.

Do you have any idea that plumbing makes up generally 12-15% of your home's estimation? As you probably are aware, there are sure things you ought to do regularly to keep your plumbing frameworks in top shape for this you can take the help of Brooklyn plumber.

The standard household plumbing investigation isn't an extremely lengthy to clean checklist. You simply need to zero in on a few vital parts of your plumbing framework. You need to stay away from expensive fixes and plumbing crises over the long haul.

The following are six significant activities as you inspect the plumbing in your home. This plumbing assessment checklist will get a good deal on home fixes and upkeep over the long haul.

1. Inspect and Clean Your Drains

Try not to hold on until your drains are obstructed before making a move. Drain cleaning ought to be a piece of your household plumbing review and cleaning checklist. Make certain to assess the drains for your sinks, baths, and showers. If you notice that water drains more slowly than regularly through the drain pipes, there could be an obstructed structure.

To eliminate the development in the drainpipe, you want to plan a drain review. Drain obstructs will possibly deteriorate assuming you keep on overlooking them.

Ensure you never treat your drains as a garbage bin. They might seem, by all accounts, to be dealing with food scraps, oil, and wipes from the start. Be that as it may, over the long haul, such propensities can cause serious plumbing issues. You need no unforeseen crisis.

2. Inspect and Clean the Water Heater

Most household water warmers are set to warm the water up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Residue gathers in the radiator after some time, so make certain to drain it no less than one time each year. This will broaden the existence of your water warmer and work on its effectiveness. This will likewise lessen the possibility of documenting a home protection guarantee if any harm happens.

You may likewise have to supplant the anode pole assuming that it's beyond its valuable life. Remember to review the temperature and tension alleviation valve, as well.

Check to assume that the help valve sits immovably where you or your nearby plumber set it. On the off chance that it seems to have moved, or on the other hand on the off chance that you notice a hole, call an expert to fix it.

3. Inspect and Clean All Faucet Aerators

When consistently or two, completely clean your fixture aerators to dispose of calcium development. The mineral development solidifies and is hard to eliminate assuming that you keep on overlooking it.

After some time, calcium development can decrease your home water pressure. It can likewise bring about sporadic splashes emerging from your spigots.

4.  Inspect All Above-Ground Pipes for Corrosion

Make certain to check all over the ground drain pipes, fundamental water pipes, and other plumbing installations for consumption something like one time per year. Doing this after the blustery season is particularly significant. 

On the off chance that you notice greenish or somewhat blue stores on the lines, you might have a line spill on your hands. To be protected, don't attempt convenient solutions or answers for disposing of rust or consumption. All things being equal, contact a nearby plumber.

You would rather not manage a piece release, a burst pipe, or some other plumbing crisis that can cause broad harm.

You ought to likewise look for indications of household shape around the lines. Search in covered-up, moist regions, for example, the unfinished plumbing space, cellar, and so on.

On the off chance that you found shape, you might spill someplace.

5.  Inspect and Clean Out Gutters

Numerous property holders genuinely think that cleaning out drains doesn't have to do with household plumbing. Be that as it may, you want to check whether your drains are accurately gathering and draining wastewater. Another reason that you notice any stops up, bring in proficient drain cleaners to unclog your drains.

Obstructed drains can come down on your sump siphon and cause rooftop harm. They may likewise prompt the amassing of overabundant water around your home's establishments.

Sump siphon disappointment because of overabundance tension can bring about flooding in case of outrageous downpours.

Preferably, assess and clean your drains occasionally. Yet, if your region encounters extreme rains, it's dependably really smart to check (after a serious downpour) whether your drains need cleaning.

6.  Inspect and Clean Showerheads

Clean your showerheads once per month to forestall hard water and mineral development. You can constantly utilize an expert-grade shower cleaner however even a fast wipe-down can help. 

Turn the shower on to test assuming that the water streams flawlessly from the shower head. Provided that this is true, you don't have to withdraw the showerhead for profound cleaning.

Now and again, the water stream is to some degree limited or the mineral development on the showerhead is extreme. For this situation, disconnect the showerhead and clean it to determine water pressure issues.

Showerheads produced using treated steel, chrome, or different metals with an excited (or safeguarded) surface can be cleaned by flushing them with vinegar. Utilize a plastic pack, an elastic band, and vinegar to profoundly wash the showerhead while it's connected to the shower arm.

Final Words

We trust this plumbing assessment checklist helps you out. Keep in mind: don't avoid the yearly cleanings and reviews. They will save you from stress and headaches and costly fix bills down the line.

Guest Contributor: Deepak Juneja

3 House Flipper DIY Projects That Help Sell your Home!

Everyone wants to buy a beautiful home, and make as much as they can before selling. With DIY projects you can easily beautify your home, and improve your home value.

Selling a home is stressful, and it can be confusing to know what projects to do before listing to make the most for your home. Thankfully if anyone has mastered the art of DIY and selling a home quickly it’s house flippers. These tricks not only are fast and easy to do, but are cheap as well!

Here are 3 House Flipper DIY Projects That Help Sell your Home!

Landscaping

One of the first repairs done by house flippers isn’t in the kitchen. In fact, the first repair they complete might not be even inside the home! Landscaping is one of the easiest and most effective DIY projects you can do before you sell a home.

A study by the Wall Street journal showed that improving the curb appeal improved the home value by 7%.  Aside from boosting your home value, improving your curb appeal is also very inexpensive, and can be done in an afternoon, making it an easy favorite of house flippers.

House Flipper Landscaping DIYs:

·       Power Washing

·       Plant Seasonal Flowers

·       Mulch Your Yard

·       Create Paths

While your yard might not seem the most important feature when selling a home, curb appeal plays a large role for buyers for your home, and your home value.

The exterior of your home is often the first impression buyers have of your property, so it’s important to make sure it is a good one.

Painting

A can of paint, paint brushes, and some time can be all you need to transform a home. Painting is the fastest way to transform your home. You can dramatically change the look and feel of a home with a few brush strokes, making it a DIY staple for house flippers and homeowners alike.

In a study by Homegain, Painting the interior offers a $2,001 increase in value while painting the exterior results in a $2,176 increase in value.

For house flippers, the question isn’t what rooms should you paint, but what colors you should use. Every room in a home can benefit from a fresh coat, as a it often improves the look and feel of a room, but making sure you choose the right colors for your home.

Neutral colors can help you sell your home. In Home Light’s Top Agent Insights Report for Q1 2020, 98% of top agents surveyed agreed that neutral color schemes are the most popular with buyers.

Best Neutral Colors to Paint Your Home With:

·       White

·       Gray

·       Tan

When you are selling a home, house flippers tend to choose neutral colors. These colors add a classic and timeless look that make a home look more cohesive and appealing to buyers.

There are many factors that determine what the best colors for your home are. Wall surface, light and flooring can all play a role in the right color of a home, so make sure you sample colors before you start painting!

Refurbish Cabinets

House flippers know that the kitchen is one of the most important rooms of the homes, so they so make sure the kitchen is in top shape before selling a home. Every potential buyer wants a beautiful kitchen with ample storage, so this DIY is a great way to ensure your kitchen wins the hearts of potential buyers.

It is expensive to replace an install new cabinet, which is why this easy DIY is simply upgrading existing cabinetry for better storage and function. These easy repairs only require a paintbrush, screwdrivers, and some new handles and shelving (if needed!).

DIYs to Refurbish Cabinets

·       Replace Cabinet Shelves

·       Replace Cabinet Hinges

·       Updating Cabinet Hardware (Handles)

·       Paint Cabinets

While kitchen renovations can be extremely expensive refurbishing your cabinets is a inexpensive, and great selling point for your home. As newly updated cabinets look and function better than outdated cabinets making it a staple of any house flipper looking to sell a home.

Summary

Everyone loves a before and after home transformation. It’s exciting and inspiring to see how a plan and determination can beautify a home so effortlessly. With any DIY project, planning ahead and anticipating what buyers are looking for will not only help clean up your home, but help it sell for more.

As house flippers are constantly transforming spaces to sell, these are the top DIY’s that can help you sell your home.

3 House Flipper DIY Projects That Help Sell your Home!

1.     Landscaping

2.     Painting

3.     Refurbish Cabinets

What DIY will you use to help sell your home?

About the Author: Catherine Way is the Marketing Manager at Prime Plus Mortgages: Private Mortgage Note Investing . She has created content for the following industries: Marketing, Real Estate, Mortgage, Finance, Business, Real Estate Investing and many more.

You Must Avoid These 4 Amateur Upholstery Mistakes

The easiest way to transform the interiors of your house is to upgrade the furniture. But isn’t that a tad too expensive? 

What if I tell you that you can do exactly that but without carving a hole in your pocket? 

Reupholstery is an effective way to revamp your house and get rid of your old and worn out furniture. You can find professional upholsterers who can help you redesign the interiors of your house or take on a DIY project. While professionals bring you years of expertise and the right tools, DIY is somewhat a challenge. Either way, you will be able to get an upgrade at a fraction of the price you would have spent on purchasing new furniture. 

There are a number of Youtube videos that can help you but it is not as easy as it seems. While they can assist you gear up for the job, the techniques and suggestions shared are sometimes inconsistent which leads to mistakes. Don’t worry! We will help you. 

Here are some common amateur upholstery mistakes that you must avoid. 

Use the Right Tools

The first step to upholstery is getting the right tools for the job. The most common rookie mistake is using the wrong tools. While purchasing the necessary tools may seem an expense but it will be worth it. In other words, you need a staple remover to reupholster otherwise you will end up doing the job in double the time. So, prioritize - time is more important for you or a little money. 

To put things into perspective, just like any other DIY project, why do you want to use a sword when you have a gun?

Compromising the Quality

Restoring the interiors of the house is always exciting. We all want our house to look presentable. While reupholstery is an effective alternative to purchasing expensive furniture, there are several things you need to take when taking up this job. One of which is ensuring that you do not compromise the quality. 

Chiefly, the purpose of upholstering is to make your room and furniture look the best wherever it is placed. Most people fall into the trap of budgeting and end up compromising the quality of the fabric. In the end, you should understand that the whole purpose of upholstery is to renew your old furniture. And you do not want to do that with poor quality fabric. 

While being economical is something that we will not hold against you as in most circumstances it works best, it is not the best option in this case. In other words, when you are restoring your old furniture, you do not want low quality fabrics which will not hold their ground in a few years. Then what is even the point of upholstering? Low quality fabrics lose color and get worn out easily. That means for a little more money, you can purchase premium fabric which will make you design your dream furniture without any hassles. 

Do Not Fall for Trends

In an attempt to remain updated with the latest trends in the world of furniture and interior design, do not go overboard with unwanted items. Simple is the new beautiful. Sober is the way forward, so do not overburden yourself with over the top items. Instead, reupholster your furniture and suit it with the style that suits you. 

Most people get overwhelmed with the trending designs and try to replicate it in their homes. That does not always work well. Rather it is best to go with what you like and what resonates with your personality. This will help you create a timeless decor that you always wanted. 

Living on False Hope

There is one thing worse than losing good furniture is keeping it even after it has worned out a little too much. There is no point trying to prolong the life of already dying furniture. You are just wasting your time and effort on something that just won’t work. If not today, it will die tomorrow. You must realise that they have finally reached the end of their useful life. 

Also, avoid purchasing furniture from garage sales or thrift stores. There is a reason why they were being sold at those places in the first place. Which is precisely why you must avoid the upholstery mistake of trying to make them look presentable. But if you do want to purchase it from such places, begin by thoroughly inspecting the used piece before you invest too much in revitalizing it. 

Do not just skim through the surface of the furniture but take a hard look at its underside. If you see something wobbling and dangling, the best thing to do is to avoid putting down any money for the purchase. Instead, in that case it is better to invest and purchase new furniture. 

Conclusion

If you enjoy upholstery and want to practise restoring your old furniture, you must avoid the aforementioned mistakes. We do not want you to make such costly mistakes. Precisely why we drafted this guide. In case, if your DIY project seems too much, you can always have professionals help you with it. Rest assured, your house will look as elegant as you wanted it to be. Isn’t that all what you want? 

So, do not settle for factory grade material when you can make your own and that too at a fraction of the cost. 

Share with us your experience in the comment section below.

Guest Contributor:

4 Top Tips in Redesigning Your Living Room as Your Workspace Extension

You’re working diligently to finish your project by the deadline while your kids take a Zoom class in the other corner of the room—your partner walks in to bring them snacks while your dog follows the scent of food. You look around flustered, knowing that sharing the existing home office with your entire family just isn’t sustainable.

It’s okay—imagine this: the ample space in your living room gets redesigned for either you or the kids to work or study in peace. You can shift your furniture creatively, which allows for the inclusion of a workspace extension. Not only is it functional, but it also fits your overall aesthetic. Below, we share the top four tips for redesigning your living room as your workspace extension.

 

1. Make Use of a Corner

When the rest of your living room is already packed with furniture or you’re working with limited square footage in an apartment, make one corner your workspace extension—preferably by a window to invite natural light in while you work. By using a corner, you create an obvious separation between your living area and your working area.

 When choosing the desk for this space, ensure it matches the rest of your living room décor to create a seamless design. To top it off, create a gallery wall just above your desk, using elements from the rest of your living room—for example, if you’ve opted for a chic appearance throughout, use black and white prints in gold or silver frames. If you’ve opted for a more bohemian and artsy vibe, create a gallery of your favorite art prints in funky frames.

 

2. Use an Open Wall

If you can rearrange your couches or if you have the budget to replace them altogether, you can create a workspace along an open wall. Before you jump the gun and buy a new desk or couch, take out your measuring tape. The best couches are the ones that fit perfectly into your available space. When you’ve mapped out where your furniture is going to be placed, you can begin working with the open wall.

 Using this redesign is ideal if you have multiple kiddos who need workspaces, as you can line the wall with a long desk and set up multiple workstations. Add floating shelves above each individual workspace to create a streamlined, balanced look and you’ll have a clearly divided, yet congruent appearance in your living room space. While you’re at it, make sure you’re incorporating mindful and comfortable touches that help to improve mood and keep energy levels up.

 

3. Create Your Own Cubicle

To create the feel of a separate office space in your living room, you can use makeshift walls that double as décor and storage space with the use of a tall cubby bookshelf. Open cubbies mean you can place books or other decorations facing either direction, which unites the two spaces, rather than appearing awkward and blocking off the natural flow of your living room.

 With this approach, you can create an entirely new office, rather than just an extension, and can use an L-shaped desk to create an open square within which you work. Incorporate additional design elements to complement the living area, like house plants of varying shapes and sizes. You’ll add life to the room neutrally, and it'll feel inviting, both for work and for lounge time with friends and family.

4. Use the Space Behind Your Couch

If you’re dreading the thought of giving up a precious part of your living room for a practical addition that seems to cut into the space you share with guests, don’t worry. Try a modular sofa in an outdoor-friendly fabric to accommodate all of your guests. Simply use the space behind your couch to set up your workstation. By layering your furniture like this, you create a simple workspace that doesn’t interrupt the rest of your hosting area. You can still enjoy football watch parties without feeling cramped.

Use a slender desk that tucks behind the back of the couch nicely, add an area rug to outline the workstation, and include a desk lamp for adequate lighting. Leave an open space for your laptop and layer additional décor on the other side of the desk, like a couple of books alongside an elegant orchid.

With the tips outlined above, you can have the best of both worlds—a workstation that gets you in the zone for ultimate productivity and a spacious living area that doesn’t feel crowded by the addition of a workspace extension. All it takes is a little imagination and creativity to envision a new design for your living room and once you’ve landed on just the right touches, you’ll be amazed by how great it all comes together. Tell us about your new vision for your living room! What tips do you plan to incorporate?

Guest Contributor: Kiley Morrow

The best apps to control your air conditioner from your smartphone

Ice Blast >> The best apps to control your air conditioner from your smartphone

There are a lot of benefits of controlling your air conditioner from your smartphone. The main advantage is that you can set the right temperature before arriving home. By doing this, the moment you enter your home you will find that the temperature is exactly how you wanted it.

Furthermore, you will be able to turn off your air conditioner if you forgot about it when you left home. Also, you can control when you are in other rooms of the house where you cannot control it directly with the remote. Similarly, if you are lying in bed and want to warm up the lounge, you can! You can even customize the power of your unit to save energy.

Another great advantage is that you can control your air conditioning in situations where your aircon control doesn’t work properly. Also, you won’t have to remember what the settings are that you like the most when it comes to temperature control – in the app, you can save these parameters and access the temperature you like with just one click.

In this article we will discuss several apps that can help you control your air conditioner in the best way possible. Also some of them include other features that can be helpful when it comes to comfort and utility.

Air conditioner remote control apps

In the Play Store or App Store, many remote control apps work with many different devices. You just have to make sure the app you want to download is supported by your phone. Also you need to make sure that your brand of air conditioner is compatible with the specific app. After making sure of those two things, you can start downloading the app.

The first app we will show you is called ASmart Remote IR. It is compatible with the most popular brands of air conditioners and it is very easy to use. The first thing you have to do after installing is clicking on the “+” button to add a new device and select the air conditioning brand you have.

The functions you have are turn on, turn off, increase, or decrease the temperature. Also, you can save your settings for quick access to the temperature you like the most. Furthermore, you can use this app with other appliances in your house.

2. Tado Smart Air Conditioner App

The Tado Smart Air Conditioner App helps you control your heating devices as well as your air conditioner easier than ever. This app helps you make your home air conditioner more intuitive. It can connect using an infrared connection which helps you even connect with old air conditioners.

This app works based on your preferred settings. So this means you can turn it off when nobody’s home, lower the fan setting, or even put it in quiet mode. Also, it acts as a remote control for your air conditioner, which means that you can change the temperature from your bed or your couch without having to stand up.

3. AirTouch

The AirTouch app is not only a remote control but it has a monitoring system that will help you manage your home’s temperature in the best way possible.

It will help you turn your air conditioner on and off, change and monitor setpoint temperatures, use alerts to know when to perform specific actions, change your aircon from heat, cool, fan, or automatic (if it has these options) and control from 1 to 4 air conditioners.

This app is one of the most complete ones out in the market. Also it is really easy to set up and understand. However, it does require AirTouch components being installed as part of your air conditioning and/or zoning system.

4. Cielo Home – Smart AC App

The Cielo Home App adds a lot of convenience to your daily life as this gives you the best user experience matched with automation and control.

This app provides you with global control as you can control your aircon from anywhere in the world. It also gives you a usage history, which means that it saves your usage patterns and helps you achieve saving goals.

You also have access to weekly scheduling where you can schedule your desired air conditioner settings at any time. Finally, it helps you keep track of your air conditioner air filter cleanliness so you can be aware of when to give maintenance to your air conditioner.

5. Ambi Climate

The final app on this list is the Ambi Climate app. The best feature of the Ambi Climate App is that it has a great ability to record all the actions that you perform with your air conditioner. Also, it analyses and acts on the information you give to the app.

In this way, this app will know and internalise the settings that you like the most and will build a profile based on your habits and preferences. So, it mainly saves you time by knowing what air conditioner settings you prefer according to the outside climate, the day, and the time.

Also, you can use this app to set specific levels of temperature and humidity when you are not home.  This keeps things under control, ready for your return home.

Remember that when you use an app for your air conditioner you can save a lot of money from energy usage. This is because when you leave your air conditioner running after you leave home there is nothing you can do about it. This situation represents a waste of energy, and therefore money.

On the other hand, if you have an app where you can control your air conditioner from wherever you are, then it is easy to turn off your air conditioner when you are not home.

At this point, you may be wondering if having any of these apps is worth it. The answer is yes. You have seen all the advantages they have, so do not discard the idea of downloading any of these apps without considering them first.

You need to know that all of these apps are different because they solve slightly different problems, and they execute their functions differently. So, it is up to you to decide which one works best for your needs.

Guest Contributor: https://iceblast.com.au/best-apps-to-control-air-conditioner-from-smartphone/

Top 5 Most Popular Home Renovation Apps

Top 5 Most Popular Home Renovation Apps

If you found yourself looking for reasons to stay indoors, look no further. With the pandemic giving us all so many reasons to stay home, there’s no better time to make our homes look and feel a whole lot nicer. With more restricted access to pre-Covid activities, working on personal projects and DIY home remodeling apps have skyrocketed.  

With so many options of what to do, the hardest part might just be deciding on what you want to do first. From installing new light fixtures in the dining room, repainting the bedroom, or revamping your kitchen, there are so many fun and creative ways to make your home feel more like home. 

With modern technology here to help make our lives easier, there’s no telling what you can do. 

Luckily, whether you are thinking of doing a major renovation or just thinking about adding in some essential pieces of furniture for your garden, the following top rated apps have got you covered. 

Top 5 Home Renovation Apps 

1. Houzz

Voted the number one app for home renovations, Houzz is your one-stop shop for all things interior design and gardening needs. This app not only generates suggestions based on your stylistic preferences, but it also shows you through a virtual display of what each change would look like in your home. Not satisfied yet? You can even work with a professional to make sure all your creative ideas are being addressed.

2. iScape

Thinking about redoing your backyard? How about planting some fresh flowers to frame the front of the driveway? As the most trending app for landscaping, this app does everything from offering environmentally friendly suggestions on how to maintain your lawn, to allowing you to hire a gardener.  

3. Chairish 

Care about sustainable consumption, and love a little piece of vintage furniture? Looking to add in some new statement pieces, but looking to stay on the frugal side of things? With Chairish, you can browse through pages and pages of unique, thrifty, customized finds. 

4. Magicplan

Do you ever wish you could just wave a magic wand and get exactly what you want? Well this might be your chance. With magicplan, you can scan any area of your house with your phone’s camera to recreate an entirely virtual display of exactly what your next big idea could look like. 

After the floorplan is locked and loaded, not only can you draw directly in the app, but you also have the ability to calculate what an estimated cost of your project would come out to! 

DIY projects and homeowners insurance

Did you know that each state has different local guidelines on home improvement, some of which might even include certain deals, discounts, or refunds? For more information, check out Illinois’ homeowners insurance guidelines. 

No matter how big or small of a size your DIY home design renovation project is, there’s a good chance you might just raise your property value. If you do something to your house, condo, or apartment, make sure you talk to your insurance providers, so that they can give you the right plan for your new and improved home. 

Guest Contributor: Sarah Hollenbeck

How do you Fix the Issues with your Water Heater’s Pilot Light?

The pilot light is one of the most crucial components of your gas water heater. After all, the appliance can’t provide you with hot water if this component faces an issue. However, apart from being the most crucial component, it’s also probably the most troublesome one. Gas water heater users might come across problems, primarily associated with the pilot lighter, quite often. 

Now, you’d want to fix the issue as soon as possible. And, for that, you might usually want to hire a plumber. However, there are specific ways through which you can fix the issues all by yourself. Here, we have discussed some common pilot light issues and simple ways to fix them. Also, you do not need to have any technical skills to apply these solutions.

How does the Pilot Light Work?

The pilot light provides the igniting flame for the gas that the appliance releases through the burner. Only after that, the heater starts heating the water. Also, the pilot light should always stay lit when you ignite it. Otherwise, it will fail to ignite the gas coming out of the burner in turn. As a result, you won’t get any hot water while using the heater. 

Now, most of the issues you face with the pilot light are related to keeping it lit.  Other than that, it might sometimes fail to provide a properly sized flame to the gas. If there is an issue with its placement, then fix that first. You can simply reach out to Handyman Dubai for a quick and reliable solution. 

What to do when the Pilot Light’s Flame is too Small?

A small flame indicates that the pilot light isn’t receiving enough gas pressure. In that case, it would affect the functioning of your water heater. So, you must not ignore this issue and apply a solution for it. 

Now, this issue is mainly caused due to a clogged pilot light orifice. In that case, you can fix the issue by cleaning it. However, it’s more sensible to contact a certified professional if there are any other causes. 

Cleaning the pilot light orifice

The pilot orifice regulates the amount of gas released through the valve. So, you must clean it to improve the gas pressure. And, for that, you must stop the gas supply using the shut-off valve. 

Remove the orifice

You can’t clean the orifice as long as it’s attached to the appliance. So, you must detach it before proceeding with this task. And, for that, you must remove all the nuts that hold the orifice to the water heater. Based on the model you’re using, this might take a while. Moreover, you’d also have to detach the pilot tube and the thermocouple attached to the orifice. Once you’re done, you can simply proceed with the cleaning. 

How to clean the pilot orifice?

A can of compressed air would be one of the best tools for clearing out any dirt and debris. Apart from that, you should use sandpaper to clean its tip. You can also find a water heart cleaning brush available in the market for this task. Make sure to clean the orifice properly so that you don’t face this issue again anytime soon. Once you’re done, you must re-attach the components to the heater with the utmost care. 

Pilot Flame won’t Light or Keeps Going Out: Causes and Fixes

Many other users often report a failure to light the pilot flame. Apart from that, you might sometimes fail to light the pilot flame in the first place. Now, you must consider the following common causes behind both these issues: 

Dirty air vents

As you know, you need oxygen to light up the pilot flame or keep it lit. So, you must make sure that your appliance receives that in a proper quantity. Now, the air vents are the only means by which your water heater intakes oxygen. It might often get clogged by dirt and debris. 

In that case, the appliance may fail to light up the pilot flame. The air vents are located at the exterior of the appliance. So, you can clean them up quite easily. Also, make sure to do that regularly to avoid this issue further. 

Kinked flex tube

The kink tube is yet another exterior component you must examine for pilot light problems. As it happens, this tube might often get kinked to cause interruptions in the gas flow. In such cases, the pilot flame might keep going out or simply fail to light. 

So, you must straighten this crucial tube to fix the issue. It should work in case there aren’t any other problems with your water heater. 

Clogged pilot tube

In case, the previously mentioned fixes didn’t work, you must turn your attention to the pilot tube. This component supplies gas to the pilot light through the orifice. Sometimes, especially in old water heaters, this tube might get clogged. In that case, you simply need to clear it to fix the gas supply to the pilot light. 

So, detach the pilot tube from the heater and examine it for any blockages. You can simply use a thin wire or a needle to clear it effectively. Then, you must re-attach it to the appliance and try lighting the pilot flame. 

The sensor has bent away from the pilot flame

Apart from other parts, you must also take a look at the sensor. Do you find it bent away from the pilot light? If yes, then you’ve found the cause behind the problem. The sensor’s end should always touch the pilot flame. So, you can easily fix the issue by bending it to that position all by yourself. But, make sure to shut down the appliance before you do that. 

Dirty thermocouple

The thermocouple plays an important role in regulating the gas supply. It signals the appliance about whether the pilot flame is burning or is out. Depending on that, the heater supplies gas to the pilot light. Now, like other components, the thermocouple can often get dirt and debris on it as well. In such cases, it can mistake a lit pilot light as unlit and vice versa. 

As a result, it sends the wrong signal to the appliance. Now, if you’re wondering what should be your next step, then you simply need to clean the thermocouple to resolve this issue. 

Damaged thermocouple

Does the pilot light face issues even after you try the above-mentioned fixes? In that case, your water heater probably has a damaged thermocouple. So, you must make sure whether that’s the case. Test it with a multimeter and check whether it generates at least 20 MV voltage. 

What if it doesn’t supply the specified amount of voltage? In that case, you must replace the thermocouple. You can simply use a wrench to detach it from the water heater. Then, carefully attach the new thermocouple in its place. Also, make sure to turn the gas supply off before you proceed. 

What if these Solutions don’t Work?

In some cases, the problem might also lie with the flex tube. So, you must examine this component as well. Moreover, pilot light issues are also sometimes caused due to a broken main control valve. In that case, many service providers might offer you repairs for it. But, it’s better to get a new water heater in such situations.

Also Recommended:Plumbing Services in Dubai – Where to Book From?

Guest Contributor: Biler Charlie

Fall Kitchen Decorations

Fall is right around the corner, and there’s no better time of the year. Decorating for fall can be so much fun, but also overwhelming with the amount of ideas there are. Decorating your kitchen is surely going to make it more inviting and give it a splash of fall.

Adding a wooden dough bowl to your kitchen table is a perfect decorative piece that can be filled with a variety of things, the fillers are endless. There are a huge variety of distressed wooden dough bowls in all different shapes and sizes, you’ll definitely be able to find one you like.

You can incorporate things you might already have in your kitchen in aiding you to decorate. Maybe you have a garden and have white or orange colored flowers, or maybe you can buy some. A vase is a common household item, most people have at least one of those in their house! Take every opportunity you can to save money. Don’t forget to pick up the little mini pumpkins to add the pumpkin spice. This is small and doesn’t take up much space, yet super cute!

Do you have kitchen towels laying around in your kitchen? This is the perfect time to pick up embroidered towels with cute fall sayings on them! They are subtle but very cute. They are very inexpensive and can be used outside of fall as well.

Do your windows shine bright in the day time and sometimes you need a little shade? Pumpkin themed curtains are the perfect touch of fall in your kitchen! They’re not dark enough to block all light, but just enough for some privacy and shade, with a cute burnt orange border!

Want to DIY a project for fall to put in your kitchen? If you have extra rolling pins laying around, this is the thing for you! Painting mini rolling pins and adding cute little puns to them that relate to fall and thanksgiving is a cute addition to your fall themed kitchen. Adding filler around the rolling pins is surely going to make them pop even more!

If you have an over the oven hood range, your decorating possibilities are endless. You can throw pumpkins and garland up there like this picture, you can put a sign up there, you can practically do anything! Just be careful the stuff doesn’t hang down too long as it could potentially be a fire hazard.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell